A B O U T U S

A winner of the Knight Cities Challenge, the Urban Consulate launched in 2016 as a network of parlors for urban exchange. Since then, we've hosted over 150 conversations in Detroit, Philadelphia & New Orleans to bring people together & share ideas for better cities. What's next? Read on below—

WE'RE READY

After a two-year pilot, we are looking for the right partners to grow. We've tested the idea, we've had some hits & misses, we know better what works and what doesn't. We're excited to connect even more people who love cities and want to improve the places they live.

Interested in hosting a Consulate space or event in your city? Here's what you need to know—

1. Who We Are

We are people who are passionate about cities. Not just the physical city—the social & civic life of a community, too. We don't believe you can talk about cities without addressing racial, class & gender equity. It's in everything we do.

Inspired by embassies & salons of Left Bank Paris & the Harlem Renaissance, the Consulate is a place where Jane Jacobs & James Baldwin might have hung out, had they ever hung out.

By amplifying voices & ideas, and promoting a culture of learning, we create more informed & engaged communities— and a greater sense of belonging & connection, too.

We've welcomed famous national thought leaders—and almost-famous local ones. We've popped up in storefront cafes for neighborhood conversations, and met outside in public parks. We once hosted a Connect Four tournament & turned our front porch into a music stage. We like to mix it up.

After a two-year pilot supported by Knight Foundation, we know who we are—and what we're not. We are not an exclusive private club or a startup accelerator. We are a space for intimate, inclusive & intelligent conversations about the city.

4. Why It Matters

“It used to be that people were born as part of a community and had to find their place as individuals. Now people are born as individuals, and have to find their community.” —Bill Bishop

We believe people who love cities is a "big tent" constituency—but too often are separated by sector, identity, or geography. From designers & developers to artists & activists, we all share a passion for place and have much to learn from one another.

Bigger picture: We've all seen the alarming research—Americans are growing more isolated & divided. Membership in civic groups is declining, while tension between city newcomers & longtimers is rising. This is dangerous for our social fabric & civic life.

5. What People Say

This is how Detroit real estate broker Tanya Stephens described the Urban Consulate to her friends on Facebook. We love it.

We've hosted over 5,000 guests from all over the world to discuss a wide range of topics & questions—and their input has helped us shape this idea from a concept to a community.

We listen to our guests. They're smart and know best what conversations need to be had. From local speakers & topics, to out-of-town experts, to new event formats—dinner & dialogues, neighborhood pop-ups, city fieldtrips & more—our programs are shaped by the communities we serve.